Hey there Cougars! Wow, we are already more than halfway through the year and it’s time to celebrate 4th of July! Can you believe it?! So, with Independence Day covering a 3-day span, and parties and celebrations likely occurring non-stop over this time period, what’s a fit girl like you supposed to do to stay at least partially on-track?
1. First, I’d recommend getting in a great workout today, Saturday, just in case “things come up” that “prevent” you from working out over the next two days. (Translation: you don’t feel like working out because everybody else is at the pool partying it up). If you can get that workout in early, you’re golden for the rest of the day. You’ll feel great knowing you stayed on track and got a power workout in, unlike almost everyone else. That goes for the rest of the weekend, too. Don’t feel like you have to spend the entire weekend in the gym, but one or two workouts will give you a great headstart toward staying fit this weekend.
2. Next, eat healthy foods all the way up until it’s time not to. (Translation: just eat clean like normal until you hit the party, then allow yourself to let loose a little and have some fun. That means, allow a little indulgence!) We all know a nice “cheat meal” here and there is actually a good thing, and will help keep your metabolism strong. Just save the cheat food for your social occasions and you’ll be good to go.
3. Now, for the best part of all … a friend recently sent me a link to an article with some seriously delish-looking summer drinks that I just had to share with you! You won’t even believe the (healthy) ingredients! The main premise is that these cocktails are made with BCAA mixable flavored powders instead of sugary syrups and fruit juices. Here’s the link:
5 Must-Try BCAA Summer Mocktails
These drinks will add some incognito fun to your celebration. While you can keep them at “mocktail” level, you certainly don’t have to. It wouldn’t hurt to add a little Tito’s or a little bit of clear tequila like Patrón to the mix. You’ll be sipping a festive looking drink, getting in your much-needed branded-chain-amino-acids (BCAAs) and maybe even enjoying some spirits at the same time. Sounds like a win-win to me. What about you?
4. Now that we have the morning workout covered, your eating strategy and the cool cocktails planned, what else can you do to maintain your fitness over the Fourth? Have active fun! What does this mean, exactly? It means let’s bring out that inner child again and enjoy the silliness of picnics, parties and family get-togethers. Join in on the 3-legged race, the pool volleyball, your dog’s frisbee game and that family tug-o-war competition.
Or, if you’re not into all that, maybe you’d enjoy participating in a charity run or other activity that will benefit a cause. You’ll have to check around to see what’s available locally, but there are typically a lot of choices. One place you can look for activities (charity and otherwise) is Active.com. It will allow you to type in your location so you can see the events they have listed for your area for the rest of the year.
These tips will help you enjoy your Fourth of July while not completely derailing your fitness endeavors. Have a great weekend and enjoy your Independence Day Celebration!